Frequently Asked Questions

The motorcycle is first loaded onto the lift gate on the back of the semi truck. There is no need for a loading dock unless the motorcycle is oversized, a trike, or has a side car. It is then placed on a 4×8 or 4×9 wooden pallet inside the semi-trailer. These are specifically made for motorcycles and come with custom motorcycle straps. See the How We Ship page for more information.

Most motorcycles do fit on the skid. However, if you have a bike that is longer than 108″ (9 ft) or wider than 48″ (4 ft), you must provide your own skid and this might need to go dock to dock. Some bikes with little ground clearance can present an issue. If you have less than 6” of ground clearance, please call us.

We can usually pick up from most locations within a couple of days to a week.

Transit time is usually about 8-10 business days from the time of pick up. Depending on the origin and destination, the transit could take 12-14 business days.

No. Any paperwork, keys, boxes, or spare parts need to be shipped separately. In the rare cases when the keys must go with the motorcycle, they need to be zip tied to the handle bars. Saddlebags and windshields can stay on the motorcycle and helmets may be shipped as long as they are securely strapped to the bike. Just make sure that it is noted on the inventory sheet that a helmet is attached to the bike.

The gas will need to be drained to ¼ tank or less. Saddlebags must be emptied or locked up if you are shipping riding gear, helmets etc in them. Your motorcycle must be in transport mode with the alarm disarmed. Make sure the motorcycle is in neutral with the fork and handlebars unlocked.

All payments must be made to our office with certified funds or by credit card before delivery. The mailing address is Federal Companies, PO BOX 1329 Peoria, IL 61654, Attn: Motorcycle Dept.  You will receive a payment link by email once registered.

The agent will try to call 24 hours in advance or more, before the pickup and delivery, but it could be as late as the morning of. They may try to give about a 4-hour window, but you must allow the entire business day! The drivers try to make the time frame that they tell you, but sometimes they may run late due to traffic, weather, or other circumstances. You can request that a 30 minute to 1 hour pre-call be made to you the day of.

Yes, as long as the residence is tractor-trailer accessible. Commercial pickups and deliveries may be more convenient because someone is usually there all day to hand over and receive the bike. If you opt for a residential pick up or delivery you must allow the entire working day for the driver to arrive

Some common locations that people use are local motorcycle shops, the business that they or their spouse works at, or a friend’s business.

Yes, the motorcycle will change trucks and drivers along the way. Once it is strapped to a skid, though, it will stay on that same skid.

The driver will note the condition of the motorcycle at load and delivery. Any damage that is found at the time of delivery must be notated on the inventory sheet and signed for. If the damage is not notated at the time of delivery, Federal Companies or CRST Specialized Transportation will not be held responsible for damages and all claims will be denied.

This is not INSURANCE. This is not intended for full replacement value of the motorcycle. It is intended to cover damages that may be caused during transit. You should check with your own insurance company to see if they cover third party transfers. However, you may purchase additional coverage through us if desired.

We ship over 5,000 motorcycles a year. The damage rate is about 2%. The average claim is usually cosmetic damages and that is about $500.00

We prefer to not meet customers in parking lots. It may be hard for the drivers to locate the person if it is a very busy place and many store owners do not like trucks showing up on their lot. Also, the driver will try to give a window for pickup and delivery, but there are factors that may cause the driver to run behind. If the driver does run behind, you may find yourself sitting in a parking lot for the majority of the day. If he were to show up and you are not there, you would be charged an additional $50.00 for an attempt fee.

Most hotels do not want our large semi-trucks coming in and out of their parking lot. If the hotel manager is okay with this, then someone at the hotel must be the contact person and be willing to receive, inspect, and hold the motorcycle for you in the event that the bike arrives before you do. You are better off locating a local motorcycle shop or distribution center to have your motorcycle delivered to. They handle motorcycles everyday and would take better care of your motorcycle until you arrive for your vacation.

No. Federal Companies only handles money for the shipping cost. The motorcycle purchase needs to be worked out by the buyer and seller. There are many online companies that provide that service to help protect both parties.